At least 800 arrested in violent Moscow protests

Hundreds of protesters were violently arrested in Moscow Saturday, the latest demonstration against the Kremlin-aligned United Russia party.

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Independent watchdog OVD-Info said at least 838 people were detained. The Russian Interior Ministry said the number was about 600, according to The Associated Press.

Opposition leader Lubovj Sobol was among the jailed.

PHOTO: Law enforcement officers detain a participant in a rally calling for opposition candidates to be registered for elections to Moscow City Duma, the capitals regional parliament, in Moscow, Aug. 3, 2019. — Law enforcement officers detain a participant in a rally calling for opposition candidates to be registered for elections to Moscow City Duma, the capital’s regional parliament, in Moscow, Aug. 3, 2019.

Authorities had warned that all necessary measures would be taken to stop the unsanctioned protest. Demonstrators said they wanted to march in the center of Moscow but it was impossible as police in riot gear were deployed in large numbers. Internet and cellular connection were also allegedly cut in the center of the city and human rights activists said lawyers were not allowed to meet with those who were arrested.

Last week police cracked down and arrested 1,400 people at a demonstration called by the same organizers.

PHOTO: People take part in a solidarity rally in Lenina Square in support of rejected independent candidates in the upcoming Moscow City Duma election, Aug., 03, 2019. — People take part in a solidarity rally in Lenina Square in support of rejected independent candidates in the upcoming Moscow City Duma election, Aug., 03, 2019.

These protests were sparked by authorities’ refusal to allow opposition candidates to take part in Moscow’s city council elections. But they have taken on a much broader significance, viewed as a sign of the Kremlin’s growing intolerance for even low-level political opposition.

Another opposition rally is scheduled for next Saturday.